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Alexis Munch

1,405

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Finalist

Bio

Life's challenges, especially in high school, are particularly difficult for deaf individuals. Born fully deaf, I learned to use ASL, speak English, and communicate with family through the NIA program. I have attended different schools where teachers use ASL and another school in my hometown where only hearing people are present. Being deaf was challenging, as I had no idea how to use ASL or speak English at a young age. Speech therapy helped me better understand and communicate with my friends and family. I also learned to use ASL to communicate with the Deaf community. In my hearing life, I speak English to hearing people but am shy due to concerns about their understanding and dislike. I must ask people to turn their faces toward me so I can read their lips and understand what they are saying. Sometimes, people listen or don't listen. Being deaf has made me a better person by making new plans and making new friends. I have changed schools frequently and adapted to new environments by signing or speaking without sign language. I became a member of the Deaf community, a separate community from my parents and brother. I am proud of being deaf because it has improved my life, and I will never be like a hearing person. I sometimes wonder what life would be like if I weren't deaf.

Education

Northern Illinois University

Bachelor's degree program
2021 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Special Education and Teaching

Sycamore High School

High School
2016 - 2020

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Education

    • Dream career goals:

      Teacher

    • E-Comm

      Farm and Fleet
      2021 – Present3 years
    • Personal Online Shopper

      HyVee Inc.
      2019 – 20201 year

    Sports

    Bowling

    Varsity
    2016 – 20204 years

    Awards

    • Varsity
    • Highest Game
    • Teamwork
    • VIP

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Feed My Starving Children — Help other people packing food
      2016 – 2020

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    J.E. Anderson Family College Scholarship
    Being Deaf myself, teaching has always been my dream job. My desire to work in special education was sparked by my elementary school teachers. They constantly wanted their students to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom, and most importantly, they wanted them to have positive connections with their parents and other students. I saw that they were really helpful and enthusiastic with their students. My teacher had them, and I've always desired them for my future profession. I enjoy teaching, and I've always wished for the best for my future students. I'm aware that the adage "Deaf can't do anything" has long been uttered. I do want to show these individuals—including myself—that Deaf people can be anything they want to be, even if it means pursuing their dream of becoming teachers. I've overcome a lot as a first-generation student in my neighborhood. I was able to succeed in my college years by asking for assistance and using my mentor to guide me. I am almost done with my college career and am thrilled to be a first-generation student, although I still struggle to be successful as a first-generation student. I am also glad to have surmounted my difficulties with financial assistance, classes to pass, socializing with others, and reduced nervousness. I want to break down barriers in the Special Education area by enlisting in the teacher staff club, asking for assistance, and getting advice from others. For teachers who struggle with social anxiety and lack social skills, providing more tools will help break down barriers; however, having other staff members present is also a smart strategy. To suit the demands of the students, I also believe that teachers should have a wide range of entertaining approaches to present the material. This scholarship will help me to achieve my goals in Special Education by pursuing my career as I wanted. My part-time employment hasn't been enough to cover the high expense of tuition, despite my best efforts to save money for college. While I want to work during my undergraduate studies, I do want to devote a large amount of my time to my academics. This grant will assist by reducing my educational expenses and the number of hours I'll have to work while pursuing my degree. I'll be able to maintain my academic success in this way. It will also offer me more time to look for a full-time teaching job.